A lot has happened since my last post two weeks ago! oops. Unfortunately most of what has happened has been academic so its kinda boring. I just finished my first block of classes on tuesday and had my final on thursday. After almost an entire week in the library I finished! And I think I passed, well, hopefully I passed. It is a little hard to be committed when the grades transfer back to the University of Denver as pass/fail. I start two new classes on monday, a Dutch Art History class as well as a Comparative Government class.
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| Heres my library set-up. Really interesting right? |
What I have enjoyed (Uh... can I just say everything?):
Going to the pub-- I really enjoy the pubs, especially the fact that going to the pub is an appropriate place to have a study session, go for a group meeting, or take a study break.
The people- I have really enjoyed most of the people I have come across. Most people seem to very genuine, something that I don't always get back home. As I have mentioned in a previous blog, people here are more intelligent and less ignorant than many Americans. Politics, culture, international relations and economics are common dialogs.
School- It might sound a little nerdy, but I have loved the academics here. It is a lot more challenging than the University of Denver. It is more professional and the environment is more conducive to learning. I have loved the fact that there are 16 different accents in my classroom. The international feel of the school is awesome and I feel like I have grown as a person/student while studying here.
The Nightlife- There is so much to do and you can always find someone to party with you no matter what day of the week it is. (Don't worry Mom and Dad, I never go out).
The City- Maastricht is a beautiful city, there are so many little cafes and coffee shops.... You can always find something to do!
Sports- I have been getting really into football (soccer) while here. It is an amazing sport. I have also been trying to get into rugby, thats a work in process.
I could go on and on on things I enjoy but I think you guys get the point.
What I dislike:
The American stereo-type- I understand why the people here feel the way they do about Americans, but it gets old and frustrating. I may be frustrated because for the most part, the stereo-types are true, but regardless I have grown tired of it.
School- I know I put school in the previous section. While I do love how challenging school is, it does take away from potential traveling that I could be doing. So its fits in both sections.
I think thats pretty good! Only two dislikes?
What I miss:
Family/Home- I think this goes without saying. Regardless of how much fun I am having being away from family is always hard. Regardless of how much I love Maastricht, San Francisco is the best city in the world and that will never change.
Friends- I will always miss the homies back home. Especially Julia Chambers!
Baseball- As many of you know I play ball back home and it is hard not taking the field a few times a week.
Overall I think it is pretty obvious that I love it here!
Since I got a special request in the comment section of my last post by Granger sr., stating that he "Wants more news about beer" here you go. Here is my collection of crates of beer (I get serious money for returning them to the store). This is just for the last month. Not too shabby eh Granger?
Additionally I got to video chat with two of my besties, Granger jr. and Julia last week and that was awesome.
I don't know if anyone besides Granger sr. still reads my blog but if any of you guys have any questions/are curious about anything ask me in the comments and ill address it in the next blog.
Well, it is 8:15pm on a saturday! Im off to the pub to catch the second half of the game! Ill talk to you guys soon, and remember to smile more! (Sorry for the type-o's)
I read your blog.
ReplyDeleteyaya I made it in the blog twice!
ReplyDeleteHA! granger's face in the picture. the beard is a work in progress...
ReplyDeleteBen,
ReplyDeleteThank you. It sounds like you are having a very fulfilling experience. I think it is being fully engaged that has made the academic parts of your program so rewarding. You will find the same once you return to DU.
Congratulations on finishing up the first semester.
I can see that others are dutiful readers and that warms my heart. I know it's been tough seeing how little your folks care. Remember, being King and Queen of the 24th Street Harvest fair has taken up all their time. I am sure they will get to your blog eventually.
Your beer collection is impressive. Is there a homebrew market in Europe?
Keep up the studies, enjoy the pubs and keep on bloggin".
Ben, rest assurred we read your blog. We have actually turned it into a drinking game. Every mention or picture of beer during a reading requires a chug by all listeners. Keep writing, we are enjoying the stories.
ReplyDeleteUncle Philip
Ben, I ran into your M &D on 24th Street yesterday. They promise to read your blog this week. What with walking the dog and planing NEXT years Harvest Fair, they've been really busy. Can you forward them the link?
ReplyDeleteHi Ben, have you got yourself a bike yet? Been reading your blog a couple of times, your mom sent us the link. I read the one about Oktoberfest, liked your outfit! Your grandmother would be proud of you, I think. Sounds like your having a great time. The beers are good in Belgium too, -you're welcome any time here in Brussels:-) Best, Flemming, Iris and Bodil
ReplyDeleteBen, Your last blog was 10/26. G's was 10/25. Who's gonna be first to get back in the blogosphere? (I sent him the same message). DU Basketball plays Cal tomorrow in Berkeley. Your Dad is on his way here to fix our printer. I will show him your blog…..
ReplyDelete